In a significant step towards sustainable transportation, 38 golf clubs across Ireland are set to benefit from the government’s Shared Island Sports Club EV Charging Infrastructure Scheme. This initiative, part of a broader national effort, will enable sports clubs to install EV charging stations at their facilities, enhancing accessibility for EV users and contributing to Ireland’s carbon reduction goals.
The scheme is funded through the Shared Island Initiative and Zero Emission Vehicles Ireland (ZEVI) infrastructure funding, which aims to promote greener practices across the island. Out of the 227 sports clubs eligible for the scheme, 15 percent are golf clubs, showcasing the sport’s prominent role within the larger sporting community. A total of $16.05 million in grants will be distributed, with the 38 golf clubs moving forward to the project’s delivery phase once agreements with pre-approved charge point operators are finalized.
The Shared Island Initiative is a major Irish government program aimed at fostering collaboration across the island of Ireland, including Northern Ireland. Rooted in the Good Friday Agreement principles, the initiative builds stronger ties between communities through dialogue, investment, and participation. It is grounded in three core aspects:
The initiative also supports sustainable development goals by providing funding for EV charging stations, encouraging environmentally friendly practices, and strengthening cross-community ties.
ZEVI, another partner in this initiative, is the national body that promotes EVs to reduce carbon emissions in the transportation sector. With a target of having 195,000 EVs on Irish roads by 2025 and electrifying 30% of the vehicle fleet by 2030, ZEVI plays a crucial role in Ireland’s transition to a low-carbon economy.
Key aspects of ZEVI’s efforts include:
Including golf clubs in this EV infrastructure rollout aligns with Golf Ireland’s sustainability strategy. Mark Kennelly, CEO of Golf Ireland, praised the initiative:
"We are delighted to see 38 of our affiliated golf clubs included in the next phase of the EV charging infrastructure roll-out. This initiative aligns perfectly with Golf Ireland’s sustainability plan, ‘Drive the Green,’ which focuses on reducing our carbon footprint and promoting greener practices across the sport.”
By integrating EV charging stations into their facilities, golf clubs in Northern and Southern Ireland will enhance their role in local communities while actively contributing to Ireland’s transition to a more sustainable future. Kennelly added, “Golf clubs have long been an integral part of local communities, and this support from the government helps strengthen that role, giving clubs the tools to contribute meaningfully to Ireland’s transition to a low-carbon future."
The combination of the Shared Island Initiative and ZEVI’s infrastructure funding underscores the Irish government’s commitment to sustainability, community development, and collaboration. This initiative presents a vital opportunity for golf clubs across the island to enhance their facilities and become key players in Ireland’s transition to sustainable transportation.
